The Mossberg 500 series is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns of all time. The popularity of this shotgun has bled over into the Maverick shotguns because of their value in this huge market segment. The Maverick 88 is made in Eagle Pass, Maverick County in the great state of Texas. It was developed and manufactured to compete with imported, low-priced slide action shotguns in the late 80’s.
This particular sample, an 88 Security Model, was purchased to be used as a new gun owner’s home defense weapon back in the mid 90’s. It has fired many rounds over its 15 year lifespan and has served as the owner’s bird gun, as a primary defense gun, and even as a competition shotgun a few times. A simple buttstock cuff and a light with clamp are the only current modifications.
There is nothing fancy about a 12 gauge slide-action shotgun set up for defensive purposes. The Maverick 88 is no different. With a 6 shot capacity and barrel availability the only practical difference in this model from its big brother the Mossberg 500A is the Maverick’s crossbolt safety. The sight is a gold bead and the stock and forearm are black synthetic. Users find the crossbolt safety and the action lock lever intuitive and easy to manipulate. Loading the magazine or through the ejection port is equally easy and instinctive. The 18.5 inch barrel patterns as can be expected form a cylinder bore.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Versatile
- Crossbolt safety
Cons:
- Forend not easily replaceable
- Crossbolt Safety
- Fixed capacity
The Maverick forearm incorporates twin action bars. You can clearly see the Maverick 88s captive barrel bolt shared with the Mossberg 500. This bolt makes interchangeable barrels a snap, but limits the magazine capacity to factory levels. The bolt features dual extractors and the trigger guard assembly is polymer.
The Maverick 88 Security represents a terrific value to anyone looking for a first shotgun or an inexpensive defensive arm. The Maverick 88 Field is an equally exceptional value for those looking for a bird gun or a slug gun.
That is a great piece and you can take fixed capacity off the “Cons” list since Brownells manufactures and sells an 8 shot extension kit for it, but you must use there 20″ barrel with it
SKU #:078-000-162.
Comment by Erik Kress — November 11, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
I bought a model 88 last year and like ir very much.
Comment by Marlin L. Carman — December 6, 2010 @ 1:04 am
Question: I purchased a Maverick 88 with a 20″ bbl and what should be an 8 shot tube magazine in Texas a while back. I still have the weapon, but don’t use it often. I just realized it will only accept 4 shells vice the 8. I assume a mag limiter was installed. Any suggestions on how to inspect and remove it?
Comment by P. J. Draper — March 7, 2011 @ 6:48 pm
To remove the magazine limiter: Unload the gun, then loosen the screw at the front end of the magazine. Pull the barrel straight off. When you look inside that screw hole, you should see the butt end of the magazine limiter down in there. It’s a wooden dowel rod about 8″-9″ long with rubber washers around each end. If you can’t pull it out with needle nose pliers, just start loading shells into the magazine until you push it out of the screw hole. Then reassemble the gun, and you will be able to make use of the full length of the magazine.
Comment by Cody — March 30, 2011 @ 10:27 am
yeah man thats exactly what i did. this gun freakin rocks. got it as a present when i was 16 and its been the most versatile, affordable, and reliable gun ive ever had
Comment by nick — April 29, 2011 @ 1:07 pm
Got to love this gun the model 88 is great and nicely priced academy has it on sale now for 159.99 w/ tax 180 something lots of attachments and modifications great gun all around
Comment by Cody — November 10, 2011 @ 2:25 pm
were is a cheap place to buy attachments
Comment by jon — February 22, 2012 @ 12:56 pm
The Maverick 88 has been my home defense shotgun for many years. Add-ons include Knox Spec-Ops stock, extra shell holder, heat shield, ghost ring sight and flash light. Can’t be beat for the price. Very reliable pump shotgun.
Comment by Matt — December 1, 2012 @ 12:39 pm
Shoot skeet and trap with my model 88. Nothing better than beating someone and their $2k+ shotgun. Just my cheap 88 guys must not be the shotgun.
Comment by Mike — December 2, 2012 @ 7:21 pm